Running, Marathon: Small Shoes, Big Trouble
- Many people are surprised to learn their actual shoe size,according to Per Christian Eggen Mjøs,who assists customers at Löplabbet,a running shoe store. Mjøs,a marathon bronze medalist,notes a common...
- “People often underestimate their foot size,notably women,” Mjøs said.
- He believes vanity or the perception that smaller feet are more attractive may lead some women to choose smaller sizes.
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Running Shoe Reality: Many Wear the Wrong Size,Experts Say
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Many people are surprised to learn their actual shoe size,according to Per Christian Eggen Mjøs,who assists customers at Löplabbet,a running shoe store. Mjøs,a marathon bronze medalist,notes a common trend among customers:
“People often underestimate their foot size,notably women,” Mjøs said.
running shoes.” width=”600″ height=”400″>The Dangers of Ill-Fitting Shoes
Mjøs uses a 3D scanner to precisely measure foot length. He believes vanity or the perception that smaller feet are more attractive may lead some women to choose smaller sizes.
“For women who prefer smaller shoes, it’s often about vanity, perhaps complexes, and the idea that small feet look better,” he said.
However, Mjøs emphasizes the health risks involved. “The feet are compressed, altering one’s gait, leading to unpleasant running experiences and sore toes hitting the front of the shoe, especially downhill,” he explained.
Wearing shoes that are too small can increase the risk of injury, he added.

Potential Health Consequences
Ari Bertz, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery at the Vestland clinic in Bergen, sees many patients with preventable foot problems.
“Many, especially women and young people, become defensive and resist acknowledging they should wear larger shoes. But our foot size changes over the years,” Bertz said.
Bertz lists several problems stemming from wearing small shoes:
- Ingrown toenails
- Hammertoes
- Corns
- Hallux valgus (bunions)
- Nerve compression (Morton’s neuroma)
Early intervention, such as switching to properly sized shoes, can often resolve these issues. however, surgery may be necessary if the problems are left unaddressed. “Most people sadly don’t seek help until an injury occurs,” Bertz said.
Personal Experience
tiril Eliassen Sjøtun, a runner, avoids buying shoes that are too small. “It’s so painful to run in shoes that are too tight,” she said.

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Running Shoe Reality: Many Wear the wrong Size, Experts Say
Are you wearing the right size running shoes? many people may be surprised to find out they’re not. This article dives into why itS crucial to wear properly sized running shoes and the potential consequences of wearing shoes that are too small.
Why Is Shoe Size So Important?
According to Per Christian Eggen Mjøs, a marathon bronze medalist who assists customers at a running shoe store called Löplabbet, many people underestimate their foot size. He’s observed this trend among customers, particularly women, who often wear shoes too small for them.
Why Do People Wear the Wrong Shoe Size?
While there could be any number of reasons,Mjøs suggests that for some women,it may come down to vanity or the idea that smaller feet are more attractive. Wearing shoes that are more snug might be perceived as more “feminine,” but this perception can come with a cost beyond discomfort.
